In a rare glimpse into a private act of compassion behind Kenya’s often polarised politics, Raila Odinga’s elder brother, Oburu Odinga, has revealed that President William Ruto personally paid for the late opposition leader’s flight to India for treatment.
Speaking on Sunday at the funeral service held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University in Siaya County, Oburu recounted how President Ruto extended quiet but significant support to the Odinga family long before Raila’s death.
“I want to thank His Excellency the President, who has stood with us right from the moment Raila got unwell,” Oburu told mourners. “When Raila was sick, we sat down, all three of us, and agreed that Raila would seek treatment. He is the one who paid for the ticket to see off Raila to India.”
The Siaya Senator said the President maintained close contact throughout Raila’s treatment abroad, regularly checking on his condition. “The day Raila died, I called him first and informed him of what had happened,” he said.
According to Oburu, Ruto not only facilitated Raila’s medical arrangements but also took charge of the logistical details of his state funeral, describing the President’s involvement as “a true show of humanity.”
“The President organised everything. All these arrangements would have been too heavy for us as a family,” he added, expressing deep gratitude on behalf of the Odinga household.
The revelation drew warm applause from mourners and underscored a moment of rare unity between two political camps long seen as rivals. Several speakers at the service praised the government’s coordination during the national mourning period, noting the dignity and respect accorded to the former Prime Minister’s farewell.
Meanwhile, Oburu urged President Ruto to promote members of Raila’s security detail, commending their unwavering dedication during the difficult days following his death.
Raila Odinga collapsed within the premises of Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in India and was pronounced dead at a nearby private hospital at around 9:53am local time (7:23am in Nairobi).
For many Kenyans, Oburu’s account offered a poignant reminder that even amid political division, empathy and respect can transcend rivalry.
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